Chargers to honor 11 World War II veterans Sunday vs. Bills

Chargers to honor 11 World War II veterans Sunday vs. Bills

The Chargers not only helped serve meals to Marines at the Bob Hope USO Tuesday — provides direct service to over 100,000 military members, their families and eligible military retirees in Southern California — they’ll also continue their Salute to Service by honoring 11 World War II veterans Sunday at the StubHub Center when they take on the Bills.

Below is the team’s full press release which includes full information for fans on Sunday’s festivities.

Related

The Los Angeles Chargers will honor United States Armed Forces veterans who have defended our nation and give thanks to the brave men and women who currently serve our country in the military this Sunday, November 19 at StubHub Center. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PST.

The Chargers and Spanos family have a long-history of supporting service members and their families. In addition to the annual Salute to Service game, the team has held several walk-through practices at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Base San Diego (32nd Street) and on the flight decks of USS Ronald Reagan and the USS Abraham Lincoln.

To kick off Salute to Service game week, the Chargers and Chargers Girls helped serve Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of marines who recently finished basic training at Camp Pendleton during Bob Hope USO’s Thanksgiving celebration on Tuesday, November 14. Additionally, the team will host a friendly competition between players and active military with Pros vs. GI Joes, a non-profit that provides troops opportunities to compete against athletes in video games such as Call of Duty or Madden on Nov. 17.

While the Chargers organization has long supported the military and various organizations dedicated to serving those who have served, for certain Chargers players, the outreach is personal. Cornerback Casey Hayward’s cousin and defensive tackle Corey Liuget’s two sisters all currently serve in the United States Army while nose tackle Brandon Mebane’s father served in the United States Air Force.

On Sunday, fans will notice Salute to Service gameday apparel and special branding throughout the stadium:

• Players wearing helmet decals honoring military branches including the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard, as well as the NFL Salute to Service ribbon.

Pregame & halftime festivities

Prior to kickoff, the National Anthem will be performed by Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) Jeff Smith, a commander and conductor of the 300th Army Band in Los Angeles, CA, while 100 local service members from each branch of service carry a 6’x8’ U.S. Flag. The anthem will culminate with a C-130J cargo plane flyover.

At halftime, 11 WW II veterans will be recognized on-field during a special Salute to Service halftime presentation:

Air Force Tech Sergeant Bob Bock, Top Tier Gunner B-17, participated in first three raids over Berlin, Germany.

Navy Air Force First Class Petty Officer Art Del Rey, PBY Squadron, VPB 23, served four years in the Pacific, received Air Medal.
Marine Corps Private First Class Robert Gutierrez, served in the Pacific, received multiple medals, including three Purple Hearts, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Asiatic Pacific Medal and a Bronze Star Medal.
Army Staff Sergeant Alex Morrison, Company “C” 130th Infantry, 33rd Division, served in the Pacific.

Navy Signalman 3rd Class Gibert Nadeau, served 10 ½ years in the Pacific.
Army Private 1st Class Joe Reilly, 501st 101st Airborne Division Paratrooper (Band of Brothers), jumped into Normandy on D-Day, received several honors, including a Bronze Star, Combat Infantrymen badge, a Presidents unit citation and four battle stars.

Navy Torepedo Mate, First Class Harold Staggs, U.S. Submarine Force, served four years in the Pacific.
Army Air Force Staff Sergeant Larry Stephens, 8th Air Force, Tail Gunner on B-17 “Full House”, 35 combat missions in Europe, received Distinguished Flying Cross medal.

Army Radar Technician Kenneth William Thompson, fought in five major battles including the “Battle of the Bulge.”

Gameday reminders

Fans attending Sunday’s game are reminded that only the following may be carried into NFL stadiums:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com).
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5”x 6.5”), with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
An exception will be made for medically needed items after proper inspection at gate entrances.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: Purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size. StubHub Center prohibits the wearing of masks or costumes covering the face while passing through stadium security upon entry, on the concourse and at all concession/merchandise locations. Masks or costumes covering the face may be worn, however, within the stadium bowl in the ticketed seating area. Additionally, costume pieces (e.g., shoulder pads or props) that do not conceal identity may be worn, but must pass through stadium metal detectors and are subject to further security screening.

For fans driving to the game, the parking lot will open at 9:00 a.m., four hours before kickoff. Fans can follow @chargersgameday on Twitter for traffic, Trolley and parking lot updates from the stadium.

Let’s get social

In support of military appreciation, veterans and active duty military members will be encouraged to show off their Chargers support in uniform using the hashtag #RepTheBolts. The best photos will be featured on Chargers.com and shared on the official accounts.

Need a Lyft?

The Lyft Lot is located at Towne Avenue Elementary School, 18924 Towne Ave, Carson, CA 90746. Lyft, the fastest growing ridesharing service in the U.S., is proud to partner with the Chargers this football season. Save the hassle of parking, and take a Lyft ride to the game.

Chargers warn fans to beware of fraudulent tickets

The Chargers and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are warning fans to be mindful of the existence of an increased dispersal of fraudulent tickets. The Chargers stress that the only way to assure ticket authenticity is to purchase tickets directly through the team, Chargers.com, Ticketmaster or the NFL’s official resale provider – NFL.com/TicketExchange. Tickets obtained from other sources run the risk of being counterfeit.